Teenagers in Burnley who might not otherwise be able to afford organised sport are being offered free martial arts training, after a local club secured new community funding.

Milltown BJJ, which has been run by a father-and-son team for around 20 years, also recently achieved an outstanding result at a local Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition.

The club, based in Croft Street, recently travelled to compete in Grapplix, a nationwide Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament where they claimed an impressive team of 31 competitors and returned home with an outstanding 30 medals.

Capping off the success, the Burnley club was also awarded the overall adults’ team trophy, marking a significant milestone in its continued growth and development.

Burnley's Milltown BJJ won big at Grapplix

placeholder image — Burnley's Milltown BJJ won big at Grapplix

Alongside their success on the mats, the club has also secured £1,000 in funding from Asda to deliver free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for local teenagers.

The initiative will provide 10 young people with access to structured training sessions, with a focus on supporting those who may not otherwise be able to afford to take part in organised sport.

Head coach John Stokes praised both the competitive success and the positive impact the funding will bring to the community.

He said: “We’re incredibly proud of the team. To see so many of our members step up, support each other, and represent the gym with that level of effort and respect is what it’s all about.

“The medals are a bonus – this is about building confidence, discipline, and a strong community.”

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Club organisers say the upcoming free programme aims to offer more than just physical activity, helping young people build confidence, discipline and a sense of belonging.

Thanks to the funding, Milltown BJJ will now offer 10 weeks of free training to 10 teenagers, helping to make martial arts more accessible while supporting confidence, discipline and wellbeing.

Places on the programme are limited, and those interested are encouraged to get in touch with the club via email to check eligibility at [email protected]

The club hopes the new initiative will open the door for more young people in Burnley to get involved in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and benefit from the structure and support it provides.